Criminal Justice System and Issues

Initiative 940 would reset the standard for justifiable use of deadly force by law enforcement, and provide for the training, understanding, and tools they need and deserve to better deal with the complex and challenging situations they face on a daily basis.

The initiative was passed by the Legislature, and then immediately amended, reportedly with the support of multiple groups both affected by and attempting to enact this important legislation.

Fairly quickly, however, suit was brought over whether the manner in which the legislature handled this is constitutional. The ruling by Judge Christine Schaller of the Thurston County Superior Court is that it does not meet constitutional requirements, and that the initiative should be voted on the coming November ballot. De-Escalate Washington has indicated its intention to appeal this ruling.